A rare painting from the Roman period has recently been restored in Egypt, shedding new light on an ancient depiction of two brothers. Known as the Tondo of the Two Brothers, this artwork dates back approximately 1,800 years and is part of the renowned Fayoum mummy portrait collection. The restoration involves a collaboration between specialists from both Egypt and Italy and marks a significant achievement in the conservation of historic artefacts.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Tondo-of-the-Two-Brothers-101226-tout-e9063ccb17d64bb3b221fa889dbf4197.jpg)
The unveiling of the restored artwork took place on October 11 at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, where it is typically housed. The painting had faced considerable challenges due to damage from termites affecting its wooden backing, alongside the fragility of its painted surface. Despite these issues, conservators successfully revitalised the artwork, managing to recover features of one brother’s face that had previously been obscured.
The Tondo of the Two Brothers is distinctive not only for its depiction of two individuals but also for its circular format. Most mummy portraits from the Fayoum region were traditionally created on thin wooden panels and placed over the faces of the deceased as part of burial rites. This particular piece is celebrated as one of the most vivid examples of portraiture from Roman-era Egypt, combining elements of Egyptian funerary customs with Hellenistic artistic influences.
Director general of the Egyptian Museum, Aly Abdel Halim, explained the meticulous nature of the restoration process. Conservators took care to ensure both the painted surface and wooden backing were preserved adequately during their work. The original creation of the painting involved a technique that fused pigments with melted wax, a method that contributed to its delicate condition over the centuries.
Sherif Fathy, the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, highlighted the significance of this project in showcasing international collaboration for the safeguarding of cultural heritage. He remarked that the partnership between Egyptian and Italian specialists not only preserved a valuable piece of history but also reinforced the deep historical and cultural ties shared by the two nations. “This restoration is an important example of what can be achieved through international cooperation,” Fathy said.
In addition to the restoration of the Tondo of the Two Brothers, this accomplishment aligns with an upcoming milestone for Egypt’s collection of ancient mummy portraits. For the first time, a substantial number of Fayoum portraits will journey outside the country for a special exhibition in Rome, set to take place from November 2026 through May 2027.
The exhibition promises to be a significant cultural event, featuring over 110 objects, which will include painted portraits, funerary shrouds, masks, and ancient jewellery. According to Tomaso Radaelli, chairman of the exhibition organiser MondoMostre, this event represents an opportunity for visitors to engage with nearly two millennia of history encapsulated in these artworks.
Fathy expressed optimism regarding the exhibition, remarking that it showcases the collaborative spirit between Italy and Egypt in preserving and promoting their shared cultural heritage. The restored Tondo of the Two Brothers will play a prominent role in the display, offering a glimpse into the artistry and customs of a bygone era.
As the restoration and forthcoming exhibition illustrate, the enduring bond between the cultures of Egypt and Italy continues to flourish through shared efforts in the preservation of their ancient histories. The Tondo of the Two Brothers stands as a testament to such collaboration and the commitment to ensure that these invaluable artefacts are appreciated by future generations.